ABORIGINAL STUDIES

2 Unit Aboriginal Studies

2 Unit Aboriginal Studies develops students’ knowledge and understanding about the historical and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal peoples and the concept of “shared histories” with a view to enabling students to be active and informed citizens in promoting a just society for all Australians.

Aboriginal history and culture are fundamental to the development of Australian identity. Aboriginal Studies acknowledges the contribution of Aboriginal cultures and communities to Australian society and seeks to provide a body of knowledge that is both accurate and unbiased. The course will provide students with ways of detecting and analysing bias in representations of Aboriginal peoples.

Aboriginal Studies is a unique experience for both Aboriginal students and non-Aboriginal students. Aboriginal students are provided with an opportunity for cultural affirmation and positive educational experiences, while non-Aboriginal students can “learn together” with Aboriginal peoples and communities. All students are encouraged to take an active role in the process of reconciliation.

Preliminary Course

Aboriginality and the Land

Heritage and Identity

The history of Aboriginal peoples in Australia and their experiences of European colonisation and dispossession.

Aboriginal social and cultural life is diverse and complex. Students will learn about the dreaming and the ways that racism impacts the well-being and identity of Aboriginal peoples.

International Indigenous Community: Comparative Study

Research and Inquiry

Methods: Local Community Case Study

HSC Course

Social Justice and Human Rights Issues

Aboriginality and the Land

Research and Inquiry

Methods: Major Project

Students will explore experiences of Aboriginality and identity among Native American groups with the intention of comparing them with Australian Aboriginal histories.

This is a self-directed research project on an Aboriginal community. Students will interview Aboriginal peoples on the Central Coast to gain a deeper understanding of the topic they wish to investigate.

Students will gain an in-depth understanding of human rights. Students will also develop a rich understanding of the ways that Aboriginal peoples experience health and education.

Students will learn about the efforts made by Aboriginal peoples to reassert their sovereign title to Country and the impact that these efforts have had on Aboriginal peoples and the wider Australian community.

Students will conduct original research on an aspect of an Aboriginal community and present it as a major project. As part of their research, students will participate in interviews, data collection and data analysis. The project will conclude with a presentation of findings, which can take the form of a report, performance, play/poetry, visual art, teaching program, photo essay or video presentation.